Slippery Elm Bark and Vaginal Benefits
Slippery elm is genuinely slippery. So, it makes sense that herbalists turn to slippery elm for vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness is most common among women after menopause, but the condition can affect women of any age. Several herbal remedies can help relieve the symptoms of vaginal dryness. The subject of vaginal dryness embarrasses many women and happens at some point in her life. We’re not about suffering. And we’re not about keeping silent. So, we’ll speak up about treatments that may help. Let’s start with slippery elm. Slippery Elm Bark is excellent for those that are suffering from vaginal dryness.
The mucilage in slippery elm bark is used for vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness in menopause is due to the thinning of the mucous membranes and a loss of elasticity in the walls of the vagina. It cannot be broken down by the human digestive tract, so it stays coated for a while when it coats something. It also contains trace amino acids, manganese, and zinc, essential for reproductive system health.
Slippery Elm has soothing, lubricating, and healing properties. Slippery elm helps heal internal mucosal tissues, such as the stomach, vagina, and esophagus. When slippery elm is mixed with water, it generates a sticky material known as mucilage, which is therapeutic and soothing to anything it touches.
The species name fulva means "tawny" or "pale yellow" and refers to the light color of the pleasant-smelling powdered bark. Added to water, the powdered bark becomes a soothing mucilage. The mucilage moistens and soothes, while the herb's tannins are astringent, making slippery elm ideal to soothe inflammations, reduce swelling, moisten the vagina and heal damaged tissues.
The mucilage in slippery elm bark is used for vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness in menopause is due to the thinning of the mucous membranes and a loss of elasticity in the walls of the vagina. It cannot be broken down by the human digestive tract, so it stays coated for a while when it covers something. It also contains trace amino acids, manganese, and zinc, essential for reproductive system health.
Slippery Elm has soothing, lubricating, and healing properties. Slippery elm helps heal internal mucosal tissues, such as the stomach, vagina, and esophagus. When slippery elm is mixed with water, it generates a sticky material known as mucilage, which is therapeutic and soothing to anything it touches.
Mucilage is the most abundant constituent of slippery elm bark, but the tree also contains starch, sugar, calcium, iodine, bromine, amino acids, and traces of manganese and zinc. Many people use slippery elm to soothe and nourish the body. It is often recommended as a restorative herb for people who suffer from prolonged flu, stomach upset, chronic indigestion, and resulting malnutrition. You can use slippery elm to soothe ulcers and stomach inflammation, irritated intestines, vaginal inflammation, sore throat, coughs, and a hoarse voice.
Benefits Of Using Slippery Elm for Vaginal Dryness
1. Soothing Properties
Slippery elm possesses numerous soothing qualities; some individuals even apply it to their pets to alleviate irritated skin. Women experiencing vaginal dryness find this herb easy to use, as it can be consumed in smoothies or capsules.
Many women have found success in addressing vaginal dryness with slippery elm powder. To acclimate to its unique taste, which is somewhat nutty and lemony, sprinkle a teaspoon into your daily meals or drinks. If you're eager for relief, the flavor becomes less of a concern!
2. Replenish the Vagina with
Essential Nutrients
Slippery elm powder isn't an instant remedy, but over time, it restores essential nutrients needed for vaginal health. Many women have achieved positive results with regular use, particularly those dealing with vaginal dryness and atrophy. It absorbs into the body, aiding in the healing of the entire area, making it effective overall.
3. Lubricating properties
The lubricating nature of slippery elm makes it suitable for vaginal dryness. It can be used alone or alongside other treatments. The mucilage contains natural glycosaminoglycans, which serve as lubricants and moisturizers to soothe dry, irritated tissues. When taken orally, the mucilage coats the throat, mouth, and digestive tract, helping to prevent ulcers and ease gastrointestinal irritation.
5. Heals internal mucosal tissues
Slippery elm bark contains mucilaginous substances, a gel-like material, making it effective for internal use. It coats the internal mucosal tissues of the vaginal canal with a protective layer, soothing painful irritation and dryness. Slippery elm bark alleviates irritation, accelerates healing, moisturizes tissues with its hydrating properties, reduces swelling, and aids in cell regeneration for quicker recovery.
6. Soothes symptoms of hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are common during menopause due to estrogen deficiency weakening collagen production in connective tissues, increasing bleeding susceptibility. Slippery elm bark has anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate hemorrhoid pain and irritation, help stop bleeding, accelerate healing, and control further bleeding.
How To Use Slippery Elm For Vaginal Dryness
There are several effective and convenient methods. Here are the top three:
Herbal Ointment
Combine 2 tablespoons of slippery elm powder with 8 oz of water in a saucepan.
Heat slowly and stir until thickened.
Remove from heat.
Add natural oils like coconut or vitamin E to enhance the ointment.
Allow the ointment to cool; refrigerate if desired.
Apply the slippery elm ointment to the vagina and vulva twice daily to alleviate vaginal dryness. It can also serve as a lubricant during intercourse.
Slippery Elm Tea
Add 2 cups of boiling water to approximately two tablespoons of slippery elm powder and steep briefly.
Consume three times daily to address vaginal dryness.
Supplements
Slippery Elm Bark supplements are derived from a tree and are natural. Most supplements come with usage instructions. For vaginal dryness, take at least two daily to notice improvement.
Slippery elm is available in tablets, capsules, extracts, mucilaginous drinks, lozenges, finely powdered bark for teas, and coarsely powdered bark for poultices.
Other Methods for Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness, common during and after menopause, can be uncomfortable and painful. It may indicate underlying health issues like infections, so consulting a physician is crucial if symptoms arise.
Stop Using Soap To Wash Up.
Water alone suffices for cleaning the vulva, potentially increasing comfort and reducing dryness risk.
Clean Diet.
Opt for a diet rich in healthy fats, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, seeds, and nuts. Limit dairy, fried foods, refined and sugary items, and reduce meat consumption.
Exercise.
Regular exercise enhances blood flow and hormone balance. Start with 30-minute walks five days a week.
Take Care When Washing Your Intimates.
Avoid detergents with dyes and perfumes; use natural laundry products and skip fabric softeners and anti-cling products.
Get Good-Quality Sleep.
Quality sleep boosts mood and energy, potentially reducing vaginal dryness.
Maintain A Healthful Weight.
Some researchers link excess weight to vaginal dryness and fertility issues.
Focus On Foreplay.
Enhanced sexual experiences may elevate desire, improving vaginal dryness.
While alternative treatments may alleviate some vaginal dryness symptoms, they might not provide complete relief. Herbal remedies like slippery elm have historical roots. Using slippery elm for vaginal dryness can encourage natural lubrication and arousal. Patience is key, as environmental factors, stress, menstrual cycle, and hormone levels influence response time.
Besides slippery elm, other herbs can aid. Hormone balance largely determines libido. Some menopausal women may not benefit as much from libido-enhancing nutrients as younger women, particularly those menopausal for over 5 to 10 years.
The herb garden offers numerous plants to boost female libido. However, professional guidance is crucial, as herbs aren't always harmless.
These five plants can safely enhance female libido:
1. Dong Quai, also known as Chinese angelica root or tang Kuei, is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for various conditions, including menstrual cramps and stomach ulcers. It has also been shown to positively impact female libido.
2. Maca
Maca is primarily used to strengthen the body and increase male fertility. Available in supermarkets and health food stores, maca root is often used as a dietary supplement due to its adaptogenic properties. Even small doses can improve mood and libido in both men and women.
Conclusion
Some treatments target dryness discomfort, while others address estrogen loss to mitigate symptoms. Herbal remedies have long been used alongside conventional medicine. Herbal medicine forms the foundation of modern medicine. Some herbs contain potent ingredients and should be used cautiously, akin to pharmaceutical drugs.
Slippery elm may affect drug absorption by coating the digestive tract. To prevent this, space slippery elm and other medications by at least two hours.
Research on slippery elm's safety is limited.
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